What does matcha do in a fruit smoothie? Something you would not expect. It adds a grassy, slightly bitter edge underneath the sweetness of the mango and banana, and it turns the whole drink a vivid green that photographs well if you care about that sort of thing. Without it, this is a good mango smoothie. With a tablespoon of matcha stirred in, it becomes a drink with two things happening at once.
Two ripe mangoes, two frozen bananas, a cup each of unsweetened almond milk and orange juice, matcha powder, and honey if you want it sweeter. Blended until smooth. Served in a bowl with sliced mango and banana on top, or in a glass if you prefer to drink it. The frozen bananas make it thick enough for either. This has become one of our go-to morning drinks when we want something that actually does something.
How to Make Mango Matcha Smoothie
Sift the Matcha
Matcha powder clumps. If you drop a tablespoon directly into the blender, you will get green specks instead of an even colour. Sift it through a fine mesh strainer first, or whisk it with a tablespoon of the almond milk until smooth before adding it to the blender. 
Blend the Bananas from Frozen
Peel and freeze the bananas ahead of time. Frozen bananas are what make this smoothie thick and cold without ice. Fresh bananas make it thin and warm. Let them sit on the counter for 2-3 minutes before blending if your blender struggles with fully frozen fruit.
Add the almond milk and orange juice first, then the mangoes, bananas, matcha, and honey. Blend on high for 60 seconds.
Mango Match Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan
Description
A vibrant, refreshing blend of mango, matcha, and banana. Perfect for a midday boost!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes (2 ripe mangoes) ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 ripe bananas (2 ripe bananas) ripe bananas, peeled and frozen
- 1 cups (237 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cups (237 ml) orange juice
- 2 teaspoons honey honey, optional
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
Instructions
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve in a bowl with additional mango and banana, or in a glass.
Notes
- For a thicker smoothie, use less liquid or add a few ice cubes.
- If you don’t have almond milk, substitute with another milk alternative like coconut milk or soy milk.
- Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
What matcha should I use?
Culinary grade matcha is fine for smoothies. Ceremonial grade is more expensive and the subtlety is lost in a blender. Look for bright green powder. If it is dull or yellowish, it is old.
Can I skip the orange juice?
You can replace it with more almond milk. The orange juice adds acidity that balances the sweetness of the mango and banana. Without it, the smoothie is sweeter and less complex.
Is the honey necessary?
Taste before adding. Two ripe mangoes and two bananas are very sweet already. The honey is there for people who want more sweetness, but many people skip it.
Would you mind sharing which matcha powder you use, or what the vendor is? I’m looking to buy online too, but am not sure what to look for as far as quality or what a ‘better’ brand would be. Thanks!